AC/DC singer Brian Johnson says he is not retiring from music after doctors told him that he risks substantial hearing loss if he continues to perform in large arenas and stadiums.

Johnson said in a statement that he intended to continue to record in studios and would continue treatment to improve his hearing.

The Back in Black singer will be replaced by Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose for the Rock or Bust world tour beginning on May 7 in Lisbon.

Johnson said he was “personally crushed” at the news that he could no longer perform and felt terrible for disappointing fans.

But he said his attitude was optimistic and he was hoping that his hearing would improve enough for him to return to live performances.

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